4 mins read

What Is Normal Body Fat Percentage for Women?

Adipose tissue, or fat, is essential for the body to function properly. According to the American Council on Exercise, women need a body fat percentage of 10 to 12 percent for the tissue to adequately protect the body, regulate temperature, provide insulation, produce sex hormones and supply enough fuel to carry out activities. Dangers arise when the body stores too much fat. The American Heart Association states that a higher body fat percentage can lead to greater risks for developing diabetes, strokes, gallstones, high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease, even among women categorized in the “normal” range for weight and body mass index (BMI). A study released in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that levels of inflammation, which indicates a future risk for obesity, heart disease and metabolic disorders, correlated with a woman’s percentage of body fat and not with body weight or BMI.

4 mins read

5 Benefits of the Human Touch

If you have ever used a human touch massage chair, you know that it’s not even close to the real thing. There is something unquestionably powerful about the human touch. It’s not just about feeling skin against skin. The healing and comforting powers of the human touch have been known to humans for a long time. Many cultures have explored and used these mysterious powers to treat, heal and soothe for generations. Today the powers and benefits of the human touch are acknowledged by advocates of modern science as well. This article lists the various benefits of the human touch, as an effective measure that facilitates well-being, a catalyst in healing or recovery and as a technique that helps strengthen one’s mind, body and relationships.

3 mins read

How Does Parental Drinking Contribute to Teen Alcoholism?

Can a parent’s drinking habits increase the risk of alcoholism for a teenager? According to the National Institutes of Health, a family history of alcoholism is a major risk factor for problem drinking. In addition, some studies have found that certain genes passed from parents to children increase the risk for alcoholism. Many other factors play a part in teenage drinking, including peer pressure and stress. Still, it seems clear that parent’s drinking habits influence how their children use or misuse alcohol.

5 mins read

How Long to Nurse a Child

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important to know how long to nurse your child so as to get the optimal health benefit for your baby. Most current research on the health benefits of breastfeeding centers on the first six months to a year of life. After this point, the medical data on extended breastfeeding–breastfeeding beyond a year old–tapers off, and the decision to breastfeed becomes a personal one.

2 mins read

Natural Herbs for Lowering Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fatty cells which contribute to the formation of high levels of bad cholesterol and are linked to heart disease. It’s important to watch your triglyceride levels and keep them low to help maintain overall heart health. Fortunately, there are natural ways to do so.